UCF vs. Louisville: Score, Analysis for Knights' Upset Win

The Central Florida Knights capped an amazing second-half comeback with a late, game-winning touchdown drive to upset No. 8 Louisville and hand the Cardinals their first loss of the season with a dramatic 38-35 victory.

The Cardinals let a 21-point third-quarter lead slip through their hands like quicksand as the Knights, who also gave South Carolina a scare earlier this season, refused to quit even in front of a raucous crowd at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.

After Heisman candidate and future first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater appeared to avoid the upset scare with a late touchdown drive to regain the lead, Blake Bortles responded with a clutch touchdown drive of his own to give the Knights the win:

GIF courtesy of Bleacher Report

Bortles finished 21 of 32 for 250 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the upset win.

Bridgewater was near perfect for most of Friday night, finishing 29-of-38 for 341 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

However, much of that production came in the first half as the Cardinals were rolling early:

And after a James Quick fumble recovery and return for a touchdown made it 28-7 with just under eight minutes to go in the third quarter, it looked like Louisville was on its way to a easy victory.

Not so fast.

The Knights stormed back in a matter of minutes: Storm Johnson scored a one-yard touchdown to cap off a 74-yard scoring drive in three minutes. Two plays later, Cardinals running back Senorise Perry fumbled the ball over to the Knights, and quarterback Blake Bortles proceeded to connect with Johnson for a 20-yard touchdown reception. And after the Cardinals were forced off the field quickly on their next possesion, UCF moved right back down the field to make it 28-28.

Bridgewater was once again forced off the field quickly to start the fourth quarter, and the Knights eventually kicked a field goal, giving them a 31-28 lead with just over seven minutes remaining in the game.

As ESPN Stats & Info pointed out, it was the first time all year Louisville had went behind on the scoreboard:

This is the first time that Louisville has trailed this season. They were the only team in FBS that hadn't trailed this season. #UpsetAlert

Bridgewater wasn't about to fold, however. Fueled by a key pass interference call on fourth down, the unflappable QB led the Cardinals quickly down the field, firing in accurate darts when necessary and throwing improvisational shovel passes on third down to keep his team alive.

Finally, Dominique Brown would scamper around the left side for a 15-yard score to put the Cardinals back ahead by four with three minutes remaining.